Campania

With its fertile volcanic soil, Campania produces some of the best fruit and vegetables in Italy. The region lies below Lazio, on the Mediterranean coast, and borders Molise, Puglia and Basilicata. Naples is the capital and from here, historically and famously, came pasta, pizza and tomato sauce. Tomatoes were first appreciated in Campania, and the prized San Marzano plum tomatoes are still cultivated. They form the basis of sauces for pasta and pizza, and anything deemed alla napoletana. Buffalo mozzarella is another Campanian speciality.